A new dispersed community has found a spiritual home at Whalley Abbey. The community adopts the name of something that had its beginnings in the diocese but has not been active recently: The Vine Community. The name and biblical image reflect our desire to abide in Christ and belong together, to grow and bear fruit. We hold monthly meetings on the 2nd Sunday of the month, and everyone is welcome to explore what level of engagement would be suitable for them.

Aims

Support each other in deepening our life of prayer and discipleship in our own context
Grow towards living in the rhythm of a Rule of Life
Link with the resident community and activities at Whalley Abbey as the physical focal point
Seek inspiration in the Benedictine/Cistercian heritage of Whalley Abbey

Activities

• Annual:
  Service of Commitment for those who want to keep the Rule of Life
  Vine Community Retreat - 11 to 13 April
  Working retreat - 25 to 29 August
  
  

• Monthly:
  Community meetings with input, discussion, prayer and a meal
  The meetins usually take place on the second Sunday of the month at 4 pm. There is some input, discussion in small groups and sharing, before evening prayer at 5.30 pm and finishing with a bring and share meal. The next meetings are 13 July and 14 September. There will not be a meeting in August because of the working retreat which is a Vine Community event.
  
  

• Worship:
  A pattern of communal daily prayer is available at Whalley Abbey and everyone is welcome to join the resident community in the chapel. Please see the times on the Chapel Services page.
  
  

• Other:
  Whalley Abbey retreat and quiet day programme and personal retreats as a B&B guest.
  Communications through the Grape Vine WhatsApp group and Facebook